Clean spectacle
Sir — The American traditional fireworks displays on July 4 goes back to the first Independence Day celebration in 1777. It is now a beloved ritual that seems impossible to replace. But with concerns over air quality, wildfires and supply chains, some cities did just that. Several cities in the United States of America put up drone shows, either by replacing fireworks displays or by reducing their duration. Drones not only put up a more sustainable spectacle but are also cheaper in the long run. Come Diwali, the Indian government should consider taking a similar approach.
Shreya Kapoor, Mumbai
Lawless state
Sir — The manner in which the state election commissioner of West Bengal conducted himself during the panchayat elections was inconceivable (“Death stench over polls”, July 9). People were killed, ballot boxes were snatched and burnt, and polling centres attacked all over the state. The election commissioner also turned a deaf ear to repeated demands to introduce electronic voting machines. Shockingly, the Central forces were kept in the dark about their postings till 24 hours before polling started. This resulted in massive mismanagement.
Jayanta Datta, Hooghly
Sir — The panchayat polls in West Bengal were a free-for-all with political goons using firearms and crude bombs, decamping with ballot boxes and polling material, and vandalising polling booths at will. It is the people — whose alleged welfare the polls are for — who will suffer because of all the violence. The polls are no longer about welfare, it is just about wresting power at any cost.
Amit Brahmo, Calcutta
Sir — The death toll of 40 in the Bengal panchayat polls is horrifying. This number is likely to rise in the aftermath of the elections. The Trinamul Congress has copied the Left’s template of poll violence in the state.
N. Sadhasiva Reddy, Bengaluru
Sir — The violence and the killings in the panchayat polls point to the collapse of law and order in Bengal. Political leaders should know that they may temporarily gain power but, in the long run, they will have to pay a heavy price.
Mrinal Kundu, Howrah
Sir — The silence of the chief minister of West Bengal about the violence during the panchayat polls is shocking. Blaming the election commission is of no use. The proper use of Central forces could have stopped the violence. But that was not allowed. The chief minister must take full responsibility for this lawlessness.
Mihir Kanungo, Calcutta
Sir — Poll violence in West Bengal has been a trend since the reign of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). The TMC has simply taken a leaf out of the CPI(M)’s book. This is especially shameful because the TMC came to power on the back of idea that it stood for everything that the CPI(M) did not. The Bharatiya Janata Party is no better.
K. Nehru Patnaik, Visakhapatnam
Rifts remain
Sir — The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is doomed (“Shifting cooperation”, July 8). How can an organisation succeed if its key members are hostile towards one another? India and Pakistan are arch enemies, as are India and China. It is also clear that India is now in the American camp. Unity is thus missing in the SCO.
Aranya Sanyal, Siliguri
Sir — The SCO summit hosted by India was a significant milestone in the journey of the organisation, reaffirming its role as a key platform for promoting regional stability, economic cooperation and dialogue among member states. India’s disagreement with China over the Belt and Road Initiative was noteworthy, as was its cornering of Pakistan on cross-border terrorism.
Given that a fresh US-Iran nuclear deal is in the works, Tehran joining the SCO could help New Delhi revive stalled oil imports and breathe fresh life into the Chabahar Port. The SCO’s future holds promise only if its member states stop squabbling.
S.S. Paul, Nadia
Piled up
Sir — The Dhapa waste disposal ground is facing some difficulties (“Dhapa garbage hits recycle hurdle”, July 8). Authorities are finding it difficult to recycle some of the things dumped there. The accumulating garbage makes the place an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. The civic authorities should act swiftly to remedy the situation.
Murtaza Ahmad, Calcutta
Parting shot
Sir — It is heartening that the Congress high command has managed to broker a truce between Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot in Rajasthan. Internal unity is a necessary condition for a good campaign, but this is not sufficient. If it hopes to win a second consecutive term, the Congress must manage candidate selection well and pay heed to voters’ grievances.
Kushan Maitra, Calcutta